BELGIUM TO ATTEND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WORKING GROUP

UNCLAS BRUSSELS 000898 SIPDIS SENSITIVE FOR NP/PTR (ROZANNE OLIVER & JOSHUA HANDLER) & EUR/UBI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MNUC PARM PREL RS BE USEU BRUSSELS SUBJECT: BELGIUM TO ATTEND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WORKING GROUP MARCH 3 IN LONDON REF: STATE 37339 (SBU) Belgian MFA Nonproliferation Director Werner Bauwens confirmed to D/PolCouns March 1 that Belgium will attend the March 3 Global Partnership Working Group meeting in London, per reftel invitation. Bauwens reported that a Belgian diplomat from the Belgian Embassy in London will attend, with the Belgian Embassy coordinating directly with U.S. Embassy London on the arrangements. Bauwens noted that initial planning had been for an MFA expert from his Directorate to attend both the UK-hosted NDCI Conference in London March 4-5 and the U.S.-hosted Global Partnership meeting March 3, but severe budgetary constraints at the MFA had now significantly reduced travel funds. Thus, the Belgian Embassy will have to cover both events. SCHOONOVER